I always say my family has served their country too. Although they did not enlist in the military, my family has sacrificed and dedicated so much of their time to make it possible for me to continue my service in the Army. When I am away from home, I know that my children are very well taken care of. My sisters and even all my nieces and nephews have played their part in helping me along the way; they have all earned some stripes.
My oldest son was born a few years after I enlisted in the military. He was only three months old when I had to go away for annual training for two weeks and he got to spend the two weeks with daddy. Of course I missed my baby, but I had no worries because both sides of our families were very involved. Daddy and the extended family took care of my son year after year. They showered him with love and quality time I know I missed him much more than he ever was missing his mommy.
Okay now fast forward ten years to my first year long deployment. It was so hard to leave my only child and for the first time my son expressed that he did not want me to leave him. Very emotional time let me tell you. My son’s father and I were no longer together but he dropped everything and moved so that my son did not have to have his life uprooted. He got to live in the same house, his own bedroom, and go to the same school. Both sides of our extended families gave us so much support I was able to perform my duty without much worry of what was going on at home. We communicated via Skype and telephone often. My family is very proud of me and my service, but I am just as proud of them and grateful for them.
I have since gotten married, had two beautiful little girls, and separated. With the help and support from my family, I am still able to give 100 percent to my unit and my soldiers. My next deployment I will be leaving three children. My sisters offer to care for my children without hesitation every time. To be a soldier and a mother leaves you feeling torn between your obligation to your children and your sense of duty to your unit. Only with a great support system is it even possible. I will soon be able to retire from the Army National Guard and I owe it to my family. So, I would like to thank all the military families out there that are supporting their soldiers unconditionally. We could not do it without you!
Special Shout out to my sisters Margie and Theresa, my neices Ashley, Alicia, & Beth, and my Nephews David, Donnie, & Randy - yes my nephews even babysit!
Can't decide on a jogging stroller or trailer/stroller combo. Now that its spring, can't wait to start running outside. Running outside is the only way I'm going to improve and from past experience it's my best weight loss solution. All winter I've been at the YMCA (big fan of the Y) because of the free babysitting, but with a jogging stroller I can finally run outside with the kiddies. I just don't know if I should get the combo or just stick with the stroller. Maybe I might want to start bike riding in the near future. Valley Forge Nat'l Park is a nice bike ride, so maybe I should add bike riding to my weight loss journey. Guess it will come down to which ever I find used first. Can't wait to get out there. Shout out to Bike Pottstown / Tricounty Bicycles they buy, sell, and loan bikes. You can take a free bike out with just leaving your ID. I love that idea to get people biking, so I will be shopping there when I get my bike.
